The only American charged in the Panama Papers says he will fight the government’s case

The only American charged in connection with the first Panama Papers prosecution in the United States vowed to fight the charges Friday, even as his alleged co-conspirator was arrested in Panama.

Accountant Richard Gaffey was named in an indictment late Tuesday, charged with wire fraud, conspiracy to launder money and evade taxes, and failure to declare foreign holdings. He’s a partner in the Massachusetts tax firm Elder, Gaffey Paine, and is the first American known to face criminal charges from the massive leak of files from the Panamanian law firm Mossack Fonseca.

“Elder, Gaffey Paine believes the charges put forth in the indictment unsealed in the Southern District of New York, and the subsequent charging of partner Dick Gaffey, are without merit,” the firm said in a statement to McClatchy and the Miami Herald. “The firm has cooperated completely with federal officials, and Mr.